Former BJP minister’s corruption allegations: Goa court tells police to register FIR

However, a group of activists led by one Kashinath Shetye lodged a complaint with the anti-corruption branch of the Goa Police in March, seeking an investigation into the matter. The complainants also sought action against Madkaikar if the investigation proved that he had made a false statement.

They then filed an application in the court of the Sessions Judge, North Goa, Tiswadi Merces, under section 175(3) of the BNSS, seeking directions for an FIR to be lodged. The police opposed the application.

In an order last week, the court directed the police inspector of the anti-corruption branch “to register FIR and proceed in accordance with law”.

Shetye submitted to the court that after receiving the complaint, an FIR ought to have been registered and an inquiry ought to have been carried out by the investigating agency. The counsel for police submitted that an inquiry has been conducted and, “since the ingredient of the offence have not been made out, the offence is not registered”.

However, the court observed that a video of Madkaikar making corruption allegations, which had gone viral, “by itself ought to have been the material for registering the FIR”.

Observing that an FIR should be registered, the court said that “whether the statements were made correctly or wrongly ought to have been decided after registering of the FIR”.

“The statements made by Pandurang Madkaikar definitely show that huge amount is required to be paid as bribe to clear the files. The applicants have alleged that the culprits ought to have been booked under section 7 and under section 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act,” the court said.

On March 4, Madkaikar, who served as a minister in the Manohar Parrikar-led Cabinet, had told the media, “I will tell you very frankly, it’s not corruption, it’s loot. Loot is going on in Goa. Rampant loot… All Ministers are busy counting money. Last week, I paid Rs 15-20 lakh to one minister for a small work (sic). He took one file, which I had processed from the department…to his home and left a message that if someone comes to inquire about that file, tell that fellow to come and meet me. So, I sent my manager to meet the minister… Then he was told to meet his PA. He met his PA, and the PA directly demanded Rs 15-20 lakh. I was also a minister. So, I know what procedures are followed in that department.”